Trails 200/203 through hike

MAP http://www.trailwiki.org/w/images/6/6d/FSmap.jpg

Leader: Janice Barrett

This hike combines two of our favorite trails to make one nice 7 1/2 mile hike. After leaving cars at the Flannagin Trailhead (http://goo.gl/maps/Vd5t6), we carpool to the Sipsey Recreation Area (http://goo.gl/maps/AIfos) and begin our hike up Trail 200. We will hike upstream through beautiful Borden Creek canyon with it's towering bluffs, large hemlocks and even a short cave-like tunnel where the trail squeezes beneath a giant boulder. When we reach the Borden trailhead, we are at the junction of trails 200, 224, 207 and 203. Here we will stop for lunch at the curved bridge over Borden Creek and take a little time to explore the area.

After lunch, we continue up trail 203, also called the Lookout Trail (join us to find out why), winding in and out of the many coves that empty into Borden Creek from the south. We will visit an old still site just off trail under a sandstone bluff shelter at the head of one of the hemlock coves. Further down the trail, the geology shifts from sandstone to limestone as the trail passes near sinkholes and large hardwood trees. Join us and see the wonders of the Sipsey.

Hikers should meet us by 8:30 AM at the Warrior Mountain Trading Post (http://goo.gl/maps/ByItx), or let us know if you would like to meet the group at the Flannagin trailhead (http://goo.gl/maps/MWJRt) by 8:45 AM, where we will drop cars for our shuttle at the end of the day. There is a $3/vehicle day use fee at the Sipsey Recreation Area parking lot.

Hikers should wear waterproof footwear with good tread for traction on the slippery trail surfaces. There are two creek crossings on this hike, one on trail 200 and one toward the end of the hike on 203, which could be 4 inches deep or 2 feet deep, depending on when it last rained. Although this hike is entirely upstream on Borden Creek, the elevation gain is slight, mostly level with a few ups and downs. Bring food and water for the day; we should arrive at the Flannagin trailhead by 3:00 PM. Hikers will earn 2 Sipsey Bucks. (http://wildsouth.org/announcing-the-sipsey-challenge/)

Our hike leaders would prefer that you leave your pets at home, but if you must bring your dog, the animal should be well socialized and friendly, and we ask that your pet be kept leashed at all times, in compliance with Leave No Trace principles. We have adopted this policy out of consideration for the other hikers and for the safety of your pet and its potential impact on wildlife in the Sipsey Wilderness. Thank you for understanding.